Hymenobacter lutimineralis sp. nov., belonging to the family Hymenobacteraceae, isolated from zeolite.

A red-pigmented bacterial strain, designated KIGAM108T, within the family Hymenobacteraceae was isolated from zeolite in the Gampo-41 mine of the Gyeongju, Republic of Korea. This strain was a Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, non-spore forming, rod-shaped bacterium. Phylogenetic analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain KIGAM108T found that it was related to the genus Hymenobacter, with similarities of 96.6, 96.4, 95.5, and 95.0% to H. fastidiosus VUG-A124T, H. algoricola VUG-A23aT, H. crusticola MIMBbqt21T, and H. daecheongensis DSM 21074T, respectively. Strain KIGAM108T grew in the presence of 0-0.5% (w/v) NaCl at 4-37 °C and pH 6.0-10.0. This isolate contained MK-7 as a respiratory quinone. The polar lipids of strain KIGAM108T were identified as phosphatidylethanolamine, two unidentified aminophospholipids, one unidentified phospholipid and five unidentified lipids. The major fatty acids profile showed summed feature 3 (C16:1ω6c and/or C16:1ω7c) (22.3%), anteiso-C15:0 (17.1%), C16:1ω5c (13.3%), and iso-C15:0 (11.0%). The genomic DNA G + C content was 60.0 mol%. Based on the polyphasic taxonomic data, strain KIGAM108T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus Hymenobacter, for which the name Hymenobacter lutimineralis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is KIGAM108T (=KCTC 72263T =JCM 33444T).

Runella soli sp. nov., isolated from garden soil.

A Gram-stain negative, aerobic, salmon-pink, non-motile and rod-shaped bacterium, designated strain 15J11-1T, was isolated from a soil sample collected from the university garden in Nowongu, South Korea. The 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that strain 15J11-1T is phylogenetically related to Runella slithyformis DSM 19594T and Runella palustris HMF3829T (96.9% and 95.4% sequence similarity, respectively). The major fatty acids of strain 15J11-1T were identified as iso-C15:0, iso-C17:0 3-OH, C16:1ω5c and summed feature 3 (C16:1ω7c and/or C16:1ω6c). The predominant respiratory quinone was identified as MK-7. The polar lipids were found to comprise of phosphatidylethanolamine, three unidentified aminolipids, five unidentified glycolipids, two unidentified aminoglycolipids, an unidentified phospholipid and an unidentified polar lipid. The G + C content in the genomic DNA of the strain 15J11-1T was determined to be 49.9 mol%. Based on the results of genotypic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic analyses, strain 15J11-1T is concluded to represent a novel species of the genus Runella, for which the name Runella soli sp. nov. (type strain 15J11-1T = KCTC 52021T = NBRC 112817T) is proposed.

Spirosoma pomorum sp. nov., isolated from apple orchard soil.

A Gram-negative, motile, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterial strain, designated S7-2-11T, was isolated from apple orchard soil from Gyeongsangnam-do Province, Republic of Korea, and was characterized taxonomically using a polyphasic approach. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain S7-2-11T belongs to the family Cytophagaceae in phylum Bacteroidetes, and is closely related to Spirosoma luteolum 16F6ET (94.2% identity), Spirosoma knui 15J8-12T (92.7%), and Spirosoma linguale DSM 74T (91.0%). The G + C content of the genomic DNA of strain S7-2-11T was 49.8 mol%. Strain S7-2-11T contained summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c; 35.1%), C16:1 ω5c (22.4%), C15:0 iso (13.9%), and C17:0 iso 3-OH (10.6%) as major cellular fatty acids, and MK-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone. The main polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, an unidentified aminophospholipid, and two unidentified polar lipids. Phenotypic and chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain S7-2-11T with the genus Spirosoma. The results of physiological and biochemical tests showed the genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of the isolate from recognized Spirosoma species. On the basis of its phenotypic properties, genotypic distinctiveness, and chemotaxonomic features, strain S7-2-11T represents a novel species of the genus Spirosoma, for which the name Spirosoma pomorum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S7-2-11T (= KCTC 52726T = JCM 32130T).

Spirosoma harenae sp. nov., a Bacterium Isolated from a Sandy Beach.

A Gram-stain-negative, non-motile, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterium, designated 15J8-9T, was isolated from a sandy beach in Jeju Island, South Korea. The isolate was able to grow between 10 and 30 °C, pH 5-8, and in presence of 0-1% (w/v) NaCl. Based on 16S rRNA gene phylogenetic analysis, the novel strain was closely related to members of the genus Spirosoma (96.1-90.9% similarities) and showed highest sequence similarity to Spirosoma panaciterrae DSM 21099T (96.1%). The G + C content of the genomic DNA of strain 15J8-9T was 45.1 mol%. The isolate contained menaquinone MK-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone, phosphatidylethanolamine as the major polar lipid, and summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω6c/C16:1 ω7c; 28.0%), C16:1 ω5c (23.4%), iso-C15:0 (13.5%), and C16:0 (11.5%) as the major fatty acids that supported the affiliation of strain 15J8-9T to the genus Spirosoma. The isolate could be differentiated clearly from recognized Spirosoma species on the basis of several phenotypic, genotypic and chemotaxonomic features. Therefore, strain 15J8-9T is considered to represent a novel species of the genus the genus Spirosoma, for which the name Spirosoma harenae sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 15J8-9T (= KCTC 52030T = JCM 31993T).

Spirosoma gilvum sp. nov., Isolated from Beach Soil.

A Gram-reaction-negative, nonmotile, rod-shaped, aerobic bacterial strain, designated 15J10-9T5T, was isolated from beach soil on Jeju Island, South Korea, and was characterized taxonomically using a polyphasic approach. Comparative 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the isolate belonged to the family Cytophagaceae in the phylum Bacteroidetes, and was most closely related to Spirosoma aerolatum PR1012kT (96.1%) and Spirosoma panaciterrae DSM 21099T (95.7%). The detection of menaquinone MK-7 as the predominant respiratory quinone, a fatty acid profile with summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c), C16:1 ω5c, and iso-C15:0 as the major components, and a polar lipid profile with phosphatidylethanolamine as the major component also supported the affiliation of strain 15J10-9T5T in the genus Spirosoma. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 47.7 mol %. The isolate could be clearly differentiated from its closest neighbors based on its phenotypic, phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic, and genotypic features. Therefore, strain 15J10-9T5T represents a novel species of the genus Spirosoma, for which the name Spirosoma gilvum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 15J10-9T5T (=KCTC 52033T = JCM 31997T).

Spirosoma luteolum sp. nov. isolated from water.

A novel Gram-negative and rod-shaped bacterial strain, designated as 16F6ET, was isolated from a water sample. Cells were yellowish in color and catalase- and oxidase-positive. The strain grew at 10-37°C (optimum at 25°C) but not at 4 and 42°C, and pH 5-7 (optimum at pH 7). It showed moderate resistance to gamma-ray irradiation. Comparative phylogenetic analysis showed that strain 16F6ET belonged to the family Cytophagaceae of the class Cytophagia. Furthermore, this isolate showed relatively low 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities (90.7-93.1%) to the members of the genus Spirosoma. The major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c), C16:1 ω5c, C16:0 N alcohol, and C16:0. The polar lipid profile indicated presence of phosphatidylethanolamine, unknown aminophospholipids, an unknown amino lipid, unknown phospholipids, and unknown polar lipids. The predominant isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The genomic DNA G+C content of strain 16F6ET was 56.5 mol%. Phenotypic, phylogenetic, and chemotaxonomic properties indicated that isolate 16F6ET represents a novel species within the genus Spirosoma, for which the name Spirosoma luteolum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 16F6ET (=KCTC 52199T =JCM 31411T).

Spirosoma radiotolerans sp. nov., a gamma-radiation-resistant bacterium isolated from gamma ray-irradiated soil.

A Gram-negative, short-rod-shaped bacterial strain with gliding motility, designated as DG5A(T), was isolated from a rice field soil in South Korea. Phylogenic analysis using 16S rRNA gene sequence of the new isolate showed that strain DG5A(T) belong to the genus Spirosoma in the family Spirosomaceae, and the highest sequence similarities were 95.5 % with Spirosoma linguale DSM 74(T), 93.4 % with Spirosoma rigui WPCB118(T), 92.8 % with Spirosoma luteum SPM-10(T), 92.7 % with Spirosoma spitsbergense SPM-9(T), and 91.9 % with Spirosoma panaciterrae Gsoil 1519(T). Strain DG5A(T) revealed resistance to gamma and UV radiation. Chemotaxonomic data showed that the most abundant fatty acids were summed feature C(16:1) ω7c/C(16:1) ω6c (36.90 %), C(16:1) ω5c (29.55 %), and iso-C(15:0) (14.78 %), and the major polar lipid was phosphatidylethanolamine (PE). The DNA G+C content of strain DG5A(T) was 49.1 mol%. Together, the phenotypic, phylogenetic, and chemotaxonomic data supported that strain DG5A(T) presents a novel species of the genus Spirosoma, for which the name Spirosoma radiotolerans sp. nov., is proposed. The type strain is DG5A(T) (=KCTC 32455(T) = JCM19447(T)).

Complete genome sequence of Hymenobacter swuensis, an ionizing-radiation resistant bacterium isolated from mountain soil.

Hymenobacter swuensis is a gamma-radiation resistant bacterium isolated from mountain soil in South Korea (N 35°51'38″, E 127°44'47″; altitude 1500m). The complete genome of H. swuensis consists of one chromosome (4,904,241bp) with three plasmids. The genomic sequence indicated that H. swuensis includes a series of genes involved in 2'-hydroxy-carotenoid biosynthesis. This is the first report describing the Hymenobacter genome and key enzymes in the 2'-hydroxy-carotenoid biosynthesis pathway. These data may provide opportunities for genetic engineering and antioxidant 2'-hydroxy-carotenoid production.

Hymenobacter qilianensis sp. nov., isolated from a subsurface sandstone sediment in the permafrost region of Qilian Mountains, China and emended description of the genus Hymenobacter.

A red-pink, Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile, non-spore-forming bacterium, designated strain DK6-37 was isolated from the permafrost region of Qilian Mountains in northwest of China. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequencing indicated that this isolate represents a novel member of the genus Hymenobacter, with low sequence similarities (<97 %) to recognized Hymenobacter species. Optimum growth was observed at 28 °C, pH 7.0 and 0 % NaCl. The strain was found to contain MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone. The polar lipids were identified as phosphatidylethanolanmine, two unknown aminophospholipids, one unknown aminolipid and three unknown polar lipids. The major fatty acids were identified as summed feature 3 (C16:1 ω7c/C16:1 ω6c as defined by MIDI), summed feature 4 (anteiso-C17:1 B/iso-C17:1 I), C16:1 ω5c, iso-C17:0 3-OH, iso-C15:0 and C18:0. The DNA G + C content was determined to be 67.4 mol %. On the basis of the polyphasic evidence presented, it is proposed that strain DK6-37 represents a novel species of the genus Hymenobacter, for which the name Hymenobacter qilianensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is DK6-37(T) (= CGMCC 1.12720(T) = JCM 19763(T)).

Rufibacter tibetensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a novel member of the family Cytophagaceae isolated from soil.

A red-pigmented, Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium which was motile by gliding, designated strain 1351(T), was isolated from the soil of Lengduo, Tibet in China and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic analysis. The isolate grows optimally at 30°C and pH 7. It grows with NaCl tolerated up to 1.5% (optimum, 0.5%). Phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence shows that strain 1351(T) is closely related to members of the family 'Cytophagaceae' closest sequence similarity was observed with similarity with Adhaeribacter terreus (91.8%). The major whole-cell fatty acids are summed feature 4 (containing anteiso-C(17:1) B and/or iso-C(17:1) I, 29.2%), summed feature 3 (containing C(16:1)ω6c and/or C(16:1)ω7c, 13.0%) and iso-C(15:0) (12.0%). The predominant menaquinone of strain 1351(T) is menaquinone-7 (MK-7) and the G+C content of the DNA is 46.8 mol%. According to the phylogenetic evidence and phenotypic data, strain 1351(T) is considered to represent a new genus and species of the family 'Cytophagaceae' for which the name Rufibacter tibetensis gen nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type species is R. tibetensis and the type strain is 1351(T) (=CCTCC AB 208084(T) = NRRL B-51285(T)).

Pontibacter populi sp. nov., isolated from the soil of a Euphrates poplar (Populus euphratica) forest.

A Gram-negative-staining, rod-shaped, non-motile and pink bacterial strain was isolated from the soil of a Populus euphratica forest located in Xinjiang, China. The strain, designated strain HYL7-15(T), was subjected to a taxonomic analysis using a polyphasic approach. 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses indicated that the isolate belonged to the phylum Bacteroidetes and was related to the genus Pontibacter, with sequence similarities ranging from 93.1 to 95.0% with other species of the genus Pontibacter. Strain HYL7-15(T) contained MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone and its DNA G+C content was 44.9 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids of the novel strain were iso-C(15:0) (16.49%), iso-C(17:0) 3-OH (10.96%) and summed feature 4 (comprising anteiso-C(17:1) B and/or iso-C(17:1) I, 18.46%). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylglycerol (PG); diphosphatidylglycerol (DPG), three unknown aminophospholipids (APLs) and two unknown phospholipids (PLs) were also detected. On the basis of the evidence presented, it is concluded that strain HYL7-15(T) represents a novel species of the genus Pontibacter, for which the name Pontibacter populi sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is HYL7-15(T) (=CCTCC AB 206239(T)=NRRL B-59488(T)).

Fibrella aestuarina gen. nov., sp. nov., a filamentous bacterium of the family Cytophagaceae isolated from a tidal flat, and emended description of the genus Rudanella Weon et al. 2008.

A Gram-staining-negative, pink bacterium, designated strain BUZ 2(T), was isolated from coastal mud from the North Sea (Fedderwardersiel, Germany). Cells were rod-shaped and able to form multicellular filaments. Growth after 7 days was observed at 10-40 °C, at pH 6-8 and with 0-0.5 % NaCl. The phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that strain BUZ 2(T) is a member of the family Cytophagaceae, its closest neighbours being Rudanella lutea 5715S-11(T), Spirosoma linguale LMG 10896(T) and Spirosoma panaciterrae Gsoil 1519(T) (87.8, 86.4 and 86.1 % sequence similarity, respectively). The major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (comprising C(16 : 1)ω7c and/or iso-C(15 : 0) 2-OH), C(16 : 1)ω5c and iso-C(15 : 0). The predominant respiratory quinone was MK-7 and the major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and several unidentified aminophospholipids. The DNA G+C content was 56.5 mol%. On the basis of this polyphasic study, we propose that strain BUZ 2(T) represents a novel genus and species, for which the name Fibrella aestuarina gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Fibrella aestuarina is BUZ 2(T) (=DSM 22563(T) =CCUG 58136(T)). An emended description of the genus Rudanella is also proposed.

Larkinella bovis sp. nov., isolated from fermented bovine products, and emended descriptions of the genus Larkinella and of Larkinella insperata Vancanneyt et al. 2006.

A novel bacterial strain, designated M2T2B15(T), was isolated from fermented bovine products and was characterized by using a polyphasic approach. Colonies were reddish pink and circular with entire margins. Cells were strictly aerobic, Gram-reaction-negative, oxidase- and catalase-positive rods that lacked flagella and were motile by gliding. Flexirubin-type pigments were absent. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis indicated that strain M2T2B15(T) was related most closely to Larkinella insperata LMG 22510(T) (94.4 % similarity) but shared <87 % similarity with other members of the phylum Bacteroidetes. The major cellular fatty acids were C(16 : 1)ω5c, iso-C(15 : 0) and iso-C(17 : 0) 3-OH. The polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylserine, two unidentified aminophospholipids and two unidentified polar lipids. Menaquinone 7 (MK-7) was the major respiratory quinone. The G+C content of the DNA of strain M2T2B15(T) was 52 mol%. The phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic data presented clearly indicate that strain M2T2B15(T) represents a novel species of the genus Larkinella, for which the name Larkinella bovis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is M2T2B15(T) (=KACC 14040(T) =NBRC 106324(T)). Emended descriptions of the genus Larkinella and of Larkinella insperata Vancanneyt et al. 2006 are also proposed.

Hymenobacter tibetensis sp. nov., a UV-resistant bacterium isolated from Qinghai-Tibet plateau.

A brick-red-pigmented strain (XTM003(T)) isolated from the Qinghai-Tibet plateau was investigated using a polyphasic taxonomy approach. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequence indicated that the organism belonged to the genus Hymenobacter. The predominant menaquinone was MK7. The major fatty acids included iso-15:0, 16:1w5c and summed feature 3 (C(16: 1)omega7c and/or C(16: 1)omega6c). The G+C content of the DNA was 55.8%. In addition, DNA-DNA hybridization studies demonstrated that strain XTM003(T) had a relatedness value of 50.7% with the phylogenetically most closely related species Hymenobacter norwichensis DSM 15439(T). Based on the results of phenotypic characteristics and DNA-DNA hybridization studies, strain XTM003(T) is considered to represent a novel species, for which the name Hymenobacter tibetensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is XTM003(T) (=CCTCC AB 207089(T)=NRRL B-51271(T)).

Hymenobacter daecheongensis sp. nov., isolated from stream sediment.

A Gram-negative, strictly aerobic, non-spore-forming, rod-shaped, red-pink bacterium, designated strain Dae14(T), was isolated from stream sediment collected near Daecheong Dam, South Korea, and its taxonomic position was investigated by using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain Dae14(T) belonged to the genus Hymenobacter. Sequence similarities between strain Dae14(T) and the type strains of Hymenobacter species with validly published names ranged from 91.3 to 94.3 %. The predominant cellular fatty acids of strain Dae14(T) were iso-C(15 : 0), C(16 : 1)omega5c, summed feature 5 (iso-C(17 : 1) I and/or anteiso-C(17 : 1) B) and iso-C(16 : 0). The DNA G+C content was 62.2 mol%. Results of phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic characterization indicated that strain Dae14(T) can be distinguished from all known Hymenobacter species and represents a novel species, for which the name Hymenobacter daecheongensis sp. nov. is proposed, with Dae14(T) (=KCTC 22258(T)=LMG 24498(T)) as the type strain.

Marinoscillum gen. nov., a member of the family 'Flexibacteraceae', with Marinoscillum pacificum sp. nov. from a marine sponge and Marinoscillum furvescens nom. rev., comb. nov.

A novel strain, designated MRN461(T), was isolated from a marine sponge in Micronesia. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of the isolate showed 95.6 % similarity with that of 'Microscilla furvescens' IFO (now NBRC) 15994. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that the isolate and 'Microscilla furvescens' IFO 15994 formed a distinct phyletic line within the family 'Flexibacteraceae'. Cells of strain MRN461(T) were Gram-negative, long filamentous rods, motile by gliding. Growth was observed at 15-40 degrees C (optimum, 33 degrees C), at pH 5.0-9.5 (optimum, pH 7.5) and in the presence of 0.5-7.0 % sea salts (optimum, 2.5 %). The major isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The dominant fatty acids were summed feature 3 (comprising iso-C(15 : 0) 2-OH and/or C(16 : 1)omega7c; 34.8 %), C(16 : 1)omega5c (21.6 %) and iso-C(16 : 1) (19.8 %). The DNA G+C content was 41.5 mol%. On the basis of evidence from our polyphasic taxonomic study, strain MRN461(T) is classified within a novel genus and species in the family 'Flexibacteraceae', for which the name Marinoscillum pacificum gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain of Marinoscillum pacificum is strain MRN461(T) (=KCCM 42325(T) =JCM 14064(T)). The misclassified species '[Microscilla] furvescens' is transferred to the new genus as Marinoscillum furvescens (ex Lewin 1969) nom. rev., comb. nov., with LMG 13023(T) (=DSM 4134(T) =ATCC 23129(T) =NBRC 15994(T)) as the type strain.

Spirosoma spitsbergense sp. nov. and Spirosoma luteum sp. nov., isolated from a high Arctic permafrost soil, and emended description of the genus Spirosoma.

Two pigmented, Gram-negative, non-motile, pleomorphic rod-shaped bacteria (strains SPM-9(T) and SPM-10(T)) were isolated from a permafrost soil collected from the Adventdalen valley, Spitsbergen, northern Norway. A third isolate (strain M5-H2) was recovered from the same soil sample after the sample had been exposed to simulated Martian environmental conditions. The three strains were characterized taxonomically by using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic, physiological and morphological analyses demonstrated that the three isolates were most closely related to members of the genus Spirosoma. 16S rRNA gene sequence data indicated that the three isolates could be divided into two clusters: (i) strain SPM-9(T) and (ii) strains SPM-10(T) and M5-H2. This grouping was confirmed by DNA-DNA hybridization experiments. Strains SPM-9(T) and SPM-10(T) exhibited 92 % 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity to both Spirosoma linguale LMG 10896(T) and Spirosoma rigui WPCB 118(T). The major fatty acids present in all three isolates were summed feature 3 (comprising iso-C(15:0) 2-OH and/or C(16 : 1)omega7c; 43.0-48.2 % of the total), C(16 : 1)omega5c (19.1-21.3 %), C(16 : 0) (6.7-7.3 %), iso-C(17 : 0) 3-OH (4.7-6.0 %) and iso-C(15 : 0) (2.6-5.7 %). On the basis of their phenotypic and genotypic characteristics, the new strains are assigned to two novel species of the genus Spirosoma, for which the names Spirosoma spitsbergense sp. nov. and Spirosoma luteum sp. nov. are proposed. The type strain of Spirosoma spitsbergense is SPM-9(T) (=NCIMB 14407(T)=DSM 19989(T)) and the type strain of Spirosoma luteum is SPM-10(T) (=NCIMB 14406(T)=DSM 19990(T)). An emended description of the genus Spirosoma is also proposed.

Hymenobacter deserti sp. nov., isolated from the desert of Xinjiang, China.

A Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-motile and pink-pigmented bacterium, designated strain ZLB-3T, was isolated from a desert soil sample collected from Xinjiang Province, China, and characterized by using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that the isolate belongs to the phylum Bacteroidetes and is related to the genus Hymenobacter. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities between strain ZLB-3T and the type strains of Hymenobacter species with validly published names ranged from 90.0 to 94.6 %. No other taxa in the phylum Bacteroidetes showed more than 90 % sequence similarity to the isolate. The strain contained MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone. The major fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 0) (27.8 %), anteiso-C(17 : 1) B/iso-C(17 : 1) I (25.2 %), iso-C(17 : 0) 3-OH (9.6 %) and C(16 : 1)omega7c/iso-C(15 : 0) 2-OH (8.5 %). Phosphatidylethanolamine, two unknown aminophospholipids, an unknown aminolipid, an unknown glycolipid and six unknown polar lipids were detected in the polar lipid profile. The DNA G+C content was 58.6 mol%. These chemotaxonomic data supported the affiliation of strain ZLB-3T to the genus Hymenobacter. However, the results of physiological and biochemical tests allowed phenotypic differentiation of the isolate from recognized Hymenobacter species. On the basis of the evidence presented, it is proposed that strain ZLB-3T represents a novel species, Hymenobacter deserti sp. nov. The type strain is ZLB-3T (=CCTCC AB 207171T =NRRL B-51267T).

Pontibacter korlensis sp. nov., isolated from the desert of Xinjiang, China.

Two Gram-negative, rod-shaped, gliding and pink-pigmented bacterial strains, X14-1T and X19-1, were isolated from a mixture of sand samples collected from the desert of Xinjiang, China, and characterized by using a polyphasic taxonomic approach. Strains X14-1T and X19-1 contained MK-7 as the predominant menaquinone. The major cellular fatty acids included iso-C15 : 0, iso-C17 : 0 3-OH, summed feature 3 and summed feature 4. The DNA G+C contents of strains X14-1T and X19-1 were 48.2 and 48.9 mol%, respectively. 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis showed that the isolates were highly related to each other (99.2 %) and confirmed their placement in the genus Pontibacter. Strains X14-1T and X19-1 exhibited 16S rRNA gene similarity levels of 95.0-97.2 % to the type strains of the two Pontibacter species with validly published names. DNA-DNA hybridization experiments revealed a high level of relatedness between the two new isolates (82 %), but low levels of relatedness between strain X14-1T and the phylogenetically most closely related species Pontibacter actiniarum KMM 6156T (51 %). On the basis of genotypic and phenotypic evidence, strains X14-1T and X19-1 are considered to represent a novel species of the genus Pontibacter, for which the name Pontibacter korlensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is X14-1T (=CCTCC AB 206081T=NRRL B-51097T).

Hymenobacter psychrotolerans sp. nov., isolated from the Qinghai--Tibet Plateau permafrost region.

A psychrotolerant bacterium, designated strain Tibet-IIU11T, was isolated from the Qinghai--Tibet Plateau permafrost region, China. A taxonomic study was conducted using a polyphasic approach, with determination of physiological and biochemical properties and phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences. The novel isolate was found to belong to the genus Hymenobacter and was distinct from the recognized species of this genus. The major fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 (24.5 %), summed feature 3 (C16 : 1omega7c and/or iso C15 : 0 2-OH; 20.0 %), summed feature 4 (iso-C17 : 1 I and/or anteiso-C17 : 1 B; 14.0 %), C16 : 1omega5c (12.7 %) and anteiso-C15 : 0 (8.4 %). Phosphatidylethanolamine and an unknown aminophospholipid were predominant in the polar lipid profile. The quinone system consisted exclusively of menaquinone MK-7 and sym-homospermidine was the major polyamine present. These chemotaxonomic traits are in good agreement with the characteristics of the genus Hymenobacter. The assignment of the novel isolate to this genus was further supported by a DNA G+C content of 60 mol%. On the basis of the polyphasic evidence presented in this study, it is proposed that strain Tibet-IIU11T (=DSM 18569T=CGMCC 1.6365T) represents a novel species, Hymenobacter psychrotolerans sp. nov.